Judgement

Matthew 7:1-5

Issue of the “Vaxxed versus the unvaxxed” caused much division and judgement in society, even among Christians.

Number 1. What are some of the factors related to judgement and criticism?

1. It is a denial of the love described in 1 Corinthians 13. “Love does not rejoice in the wrong.” The critical person is delighted when he or she hears something negative about a particular person. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love does not rejoice in wrong- instead it protects, it trusts, it hopes. Love perseveres. So, if there is someone who has an opinion which is different to ours, we don’t wish them wrong; we should pray, “Lord, help me to accept this person even though I don’t agree with them. I want the best for them.”

So many people had a difference of opinion to Jesus. He was mocked and criticised. Yet He died for those people. Romans 5:8

2. We can be judgmental when it is none of our business.

e.g. Judging the parenting skills of a mother in the supermarket who is dealing with a crying toddler.

3. We can judge without knowing all the facts.

e.g. Judging someone with an untidy house, when that person has not had time to tidy up because they are so busy helping others.

Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”

4. How easy it is to judge by the outward appearance. We can do this by length of hair, by clothing, by makeup.1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”
5. We need to leave it to God to judge. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). Let’s leave it to God, and let Him do the discerning.

Number 2 main point: Jesus gives us reasons why we shouldn’t judge others.

1.You will get judged in return. Firstly, by others. Someone who is known for being a critical person gets criticised back by others. Matthew 7:1

Secondly, by Jesus. Our ministry, and we all have a ministry, is assessed by Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:12 talks about our ministry. Is it wood, hay and stubble, or is it gold, silver and precious stones? If we want to have a ministry that is like precious stones, we have to have a loving attitude in all we do, and not a critical spirit.

2. We are actually incapable of judging others. “How can you take the speck out of your brother or sister’s eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:4). We are not in a position to judge others. Our first responsibility is to make sure we are doing the right thing ourselves.

So finally, we should be the people of God who are known not for harsh judgement, or negative criticism, but for being encouraging. Isaiah 42:3 “A bruised reed He will not break. A smouldering wick He will not quench.” If we come across a bruised reed-someone who is hurting- we should not be judgemental or harsh, but healing and uplifting. And we should do the same if we come across a dimly burning wick. Fan it into flame. Encourage it! 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

We should all be like Barnabas (encourager), and not let a day go by without saying something encouraging to someone.